Quemahoning Reservoir - Kayaking Trails

Quemahoning Reservoir - Kayaking Trails

The Quemahoning Reservoir, also known to locals as The Dam, is created by the Quemahoning Dam, located on Quemahoning Creek on the border of Quemahoning Township, Conemaugh Township, and Jenner Township in Somerset County, Pennsylvania just south of Hollsopple. The dam was constructed by the Manufacturers Water Company to supply water for the Cambria Iron Company's works in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Construction was begun in 1910 and completed in 1913. The reservoir created by this dam is about five miles long and two miles wide at its widest place, and drains into the Stonycreek River and thence into the Kiski-Conemaugh system.
It is one of the largest artificial bodies of water in Pennsylvania, and is known as a stopover for migratory waterfowl, including geese, swans, and herons. It was sold by Bethlehem Steel Corporation (successor to Cambria Iron) to the Cambria Somerset Authority in 2000, which now operates it both for recreation and industrial water supply.
Additionally, Somerset Borough, Pennsylvania has commenced construction of a pipeline from the reservoir to the borough to provide potable water. The original 66 inch pipeline constructed by Manufacturers Water Company from the reservoir to Johnstown was upgraded and refurbished after the sale to the Cambria Somerset Authority.